ES2589503T3 - Anti-rotation lock feature - Google Patents

Abstract

A locking device (200) adapted for use in an adjustment tool (100), which can be used to releasably fix the adjustment tool to a prosthetic anatomical device, the locking device comprising: a first tube (112 ) which has a first blocking element (242); a tree (202) extending inside the tube for relative rotation therewith; a handle (206) having an end fixedly coupled to the shaft, the handle being adapted to rotate the shaft inside the tube; and a bushing (208) movably disposed around the handle having a second locking element (236), whereby moving the bushing to a first position couples the first and second locking elements disabling the rotation of the shaft with respect to the tube by means of the rotation of the bushing, and to a second position uncouples the first and the second blocking elements allowing the rotation of the shaft with respect to the tube by means of the rotation of the bushing.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Anti-rotation lock feature Cross reference to related requests

The present application claims the benefit of the filing dates of the provisional U.S. patent application. No. 61 / 438,129, filed on January 31, 2011, and of the provisional U.S. patent application. No. 61 / 527,826, filed on August 26, 2011.

Background of the invention

The present invention relates generally to a tool for adjusting a prosthetic anatomical device, and more particularly, to a tool for adjusting the shape and / or size of a non-implantable device.

Valve valve disease is a disorder in which one or several heart valves cannot function properly. Sick valves can be classified as stenotic, where the valves do not open sufficiently to allow adequate direct blood flow through the valve, or incompetent, where the valves do not close at all causing excessive reverse blood flow to through the valve when the valve is closed.

As a specific example, the mitral valve is the inlet valve for the left side of the heart. Blood flows from the lungs, where it captures oxygen, through the pulmonary veins, to the left atrium of the heart. Once the atrium fills with blood, the mitral valve allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the main pumping chamber of the heart, called the left ventricle. This is then closed to prevent blood from leaking back into the left atrium or lungs when the left ventricle contracts to expel blood to the body.

Valvular disease related to the mitral valve often involves secondary mitral regurgitation, which is the reflux of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium resulting from imperfections in the mitral valve. A repair technique to treat regurgitation is called annuloplasty, in which the size and / or shape of the valve ring is modified by attaching an annuloplasty ring adjustable to an inner wall of the heart around the valve ring. The size and / or shape of the annuloplasty ring are adjusted in situ in order to maintain co-adaptation to prevent blood flow reversed.

Examples of adjustable annuloplasty rings are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0066231. The annuloplasty ring disclosed includes an adjustment assembly to expand or contract the size of the opening formed by the ring. A suitable tool for coupling the adjustment assembly is also disclosed in order to allow adjustment of the annuloplasty ring in situ once implanted in a patient. Document DE 4441965 discloses a screwdriver that can be used for bone screws. The screwdriver has a handle, an actuating blade insertable in said handle and rotationally attached thereto, and a mandrel. The mandrel wraps the actuator blade and is longitudinally movable with respect thereto. The mandrel has tweezers that extend from an end disposed near the end of the blade. The clamps have claws that extend from their free ends, which are adapted to retain a screw at the end of the blade when the mandrel is in a retention position. A bushing may be arranged to press the clamps in when the clamps are forced out.

Compendium of the invention

The present invention discloses a minimally invasive adjustment tool that has improved characteristics to allow the in situ adjustment of an annuloplasty ring or other prosthetic anatomical device after being implanted in a patient.

According to one embodiment, the adjustment tool of the present invention incorporates a portable handle that rotationally supports a central tree or hypotube that is operative to adjust the aperture or shape and / or size of a Adjustable device such as, by example, an anatomical structure such as an annuloplasty ring. The hypotube is rotated by an internally threaded handle, received around an externally threaded cylinder. The handle is accessible to the surgeon through an elongated opening in the handle. A compression piece is arranged inside the receptacle, to couple a part of the hypotube in order to delay its unlimited rotation when the tool is being used for the adjustment of an anatomical device, such as an annuloplasty ring and the like.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the tool can incorporate a rotational locking device that is adapted to release the tool releasably to the prosthetic anatomical device to be adjusted. The locking device incorporates an elongated shaft having a threaded end received inside the hypotube, and optionally inside a second hypotube arranged concentrically within the first hypotube. A handle is attached to one end of the first hypotube and fixed to one end of the tree. A bushing is slidably coupled around the handle, in relation meshed between a first and a second position. The first hypotube is equipped, next to its proximal end, with a first element of

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blocking and the bushing is provided with a second locking element. The displacement of the bush to the first position couples the locking elements thereby discarding the rotation of the bush and preventing rotation of the shaft. The displacement of the bushing to the second position disengages the first and second locking elements, so that the rotation of the bushing causes the rotation of the shaft and its threaded end with respect to the anatomical device.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a blocking device comprising a tube having a first blocking element is described; a tree that extends into the tube; a handle that has an end coupled to the tree; a bushing arranged displaceably around the handle having a second locking element, whereby the movement of the bushing to a first position couples the first and second locking elements disabling the rotation of the bushing with respect to the tube, and a second position decouples the first and second locking elements allowing rotation of the tree by rotating the bush.

According to the previous embodiment, the first blocking element comprises an opening, and the second blocking element comprises a shaped structure, adapted to be received inside the opening; and in which the first locking element comprises at least one opening, and the bushing includes at least one releasably engageable pin inside at least one opening when the bushing is in the first position. The bushing is geared to the handle, so rotation of the bushing causes the rotation of the handle and the tree.

According to the previous embodiment, the first locking elements comprise a series of radially separated openings, and the second locking element comprises a series of flexible radially separated appendages, each of which has a pin for releasable coupling inside. of one of the series of openings, thereby preventing rotation of the bushing with respect to the tube.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a locking device for an adjustable device is described comprising a first tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the first tube including a first locking element next to the proximal end thereof; a second tube having a distal end and a proximal end arranged concentrically within the first tube; a tree received rotationally inside the second tube, the tree having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle that includes a longitudinal hole and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the tree extending into the hole and being fixed to the proximal end of the handle, the distal end of the handle rotatably coupled with the end proximal of the first tube; a bushing arranged longitudinally slidably on the handle and engaged thereto, the bushing having a second locking element that can be coupled with the first locking element, the second locking element comprising at least one appendix having a part that can be coupled so releasable with the first locking element inside the first tube, thereby preventing rotation of the bushing with respect to the first tube.

According to the previous embodiment, the part releasably coupled with the first locking element comprises a pin. The first blocking element comprises an opening and the second blocking element includes a structure shaped to be received inside the opening, where the distal end of the tree includes a threaded part.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a rotational locking device for releasable coupling with an adjustable assembly is described, comprising a first elongated hypotube having a first longitudinal axis, the first hypotube having a distal end and a proximal end; an elongated tree that extends inside the first hypotube along the first longitudinal axis, the tree having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the tree having a part adapted for releasable engagement with an adjustable assembly; a second elongated hypotube having a second longitudinal axis, the second hypotube arranged concentrically around the first hypotube with the first longitudinal axis coinciding with the second longitudinal axis, the second hypotube having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the second hypotube a first blocking element; a hollow handle having a distal end received inside the proximal end of the second hypotube and a proximal end fixed to the proximal end of the tree; a hollow bushing slidably disposed around the handle between a first engaged position and a second disengaged position, the bushing having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the bushing having a second locking element engageably releasable with the first blocking element when it is in the first coupled position, so that when the first and second blocking elements are disengaged, the rotation of the bushing with respect to the second hypotube causes the rotation of the tree, and so when the first and the second locking elements are coupled, rotation of the bushing with respect to the second hypotube is prevented.

According to the previous embodiment, the bushing is geared to the handle, so that the rotation of the bushing causes the handle to rotate. The first blocking element comprises at least one opening and the second blocking element comprises a structure shaped to be received inside said at least one opening. The second locking element comprises at least one locking pin at the distal end of the bushing and the first locking element comprises at least one opening at the proximal end

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of the second hypotube, where said at least one locking pin is received inside said at least one opening when the bushing is in the first coupled position.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a tool for manipulating an adjustable device comprising a drum is described; a first handle rotatably coupled around the drum; a hypotube that extends through the drum having a distal end and a proximal end, a part of the hypotube between the distal end and the proximal end fixed to the first handle, the hypotube having a first locking element; a receptacle that supports the hypotube for rotation by the first handle; a tree arranged rotationally inside the hypotube; a second handle having one end coupled to the proximal end of the hypotube and the other end coupled to the tree; a bushing arranged displaceably around the second handle having a second locking element, whereby the displacement of the bushing to a first position engages the first and second locking elements preventing rotation of the bushing with respect to the hypotube, since a second position decouples the first and second locking elements allowing rotation of the bushing with respect to the hypotube.

According to the previous embodiment, the first blocking element comprises at least one opening and the second blocking element comprises at least one structure adapted to be received inside said at least one opening. The second locking element includes a releasably engageable pin inside said at least one opening, thereby preventing rotation of the bushing with respect to the hypotube.

According to the previous embodiment, the tool also includes at least one locking pin at the distal end of the sleeve and at least one opening at the proximal end of the hypotube, where said at least one locking pin is received in the inside said at least one opening when the bushing is in the first coupled position, so that the rotation of the bushing causes the rotation of the second handle.

According to the previous embodiment, the locking pin comprises a flexible appendix. It also includes a compression piece arranged inside the receptacle that couples a part of the hypotube to retard the rotation of the hypotube, and also includes a compression element that compresses the compression piece against the hypotube.

Brief description of the drawings

The matter related to this invention is specifically indicated and expressly claimed in the final part of the report. In what follows, when the word invention is used and / or features are presented as optional, this should be interpreted so as to pursue the protection for the invention as claimed. However, the invention together with features, objectives and advantages thereof can be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, read together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view, with the parts removed, showing the components of an adjustment tool according to an embodiment of the present invention in a partially assembled arrangement.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mounted adjustment tool, taken along the line 22 of Figure 4.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an elongated, externally threaded drum that forms a component of the adjustment tool.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the mounted adjustment tool shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mounted adjustment tool, coupled to an elongated shaft having its distal end constructed to operatively engage with an adjustment mechanism in an annuloplasty ring.

Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the shaft of the adjustment tool constructed to operatively engage with the adjustment mechanism of an annuloplasty ring.

Figure 7 is a perspective view, disassembled, showing the components of a rotational locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a disassembled arrangement.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the proximal end assembly of the rotational locking device shown in Figure 10.

Figure 9 is a front elevational view of the mounted rotational locking device shown in Figure 7, arranged in an unlocked position.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled rotational locking device shown in Figure 9, in an unlocked position.

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Figure 11 is a front elevational view of the mounted rotational adjustment device, shown in Figure 7, in a locked position.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mounted rotational locking device shown in Figure 11, in a locked position.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of an adjustment tool incorporating a rotational locking device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a rotational locking device according to another embodiment of the present invention, shown in a locked position.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the rotational locking device of Figure 14 shown in an unlocked position.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a drum in engagement with an elongated shaft and a fastener along a longitudinal axis thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a toric joint in engagement with an elongated shaft and a drum on a longitudinal axis thereof, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description

In describing preferred embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms used, and it should be understood that each specific term includes all equivalents that function similarly to achieve a similar purpose.

As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" should be understood in relation to a user (eg, a surgeon) who uses the device disclosed. "Proximal" should be understood as relatively close to the user and "distal" should be understood as relatively far from the user.

Referring to the drawings, in which the similar reference numerals represent similar elements, an adjustment tool 100 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The adjustment tool 100 in the embodiment shown is constructed, in general, such that it includes a receptacle 102 formed from a first half 104 of the receptacle and a matching second half 106 of the receptacle; an elongated handle 108; an elongated cylinder, such as a drum 110; a compression piece 111; an elongated central tree 112 such as an elongated hypotube; and an optional bearing 114. A detailed description of the aforementioned components of the adjustment tool 100 and their assembly relationship will be carried out below.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the first and second halves 104, 106 of the receptacle, which form the receptacle 102 are generally manufactured as complementary, elongated, annular, hollow housings 116, 118. When mounted, the halves 104, 106 of the receptacle form a central elongated opening 120. The first half 104 of the receptacle is provided with a through hole 130 at its distal end 132, and a through hole 134 at its proximal end 136. In a complementary construction, the second half 106 of the receptacle is formed, at its distal end 122, with a through hole 124 and, at its proximal end 126, with a through hole 128. The mounting relationship of the first and second halves 104, 106 of the receptacle is best shown in Figure 2. When assembled to form receptacle 102, the corresponding holes 124, 130 at the distal ends 122, 132 of the halves of the receptacle form a central hole 138. Analogously, the corresponding holes 128 , 134 at the proximal ends 126, 136 of the halves of the receptacle form a central hole 140. As described above, the first and second halves 104, 10 6 of the receptacle, when mounted, form the elongated central opening 120 inside the adjustment tool 100 in communication with each of the holes 138, 140.

The handle 108 can be manufactured as an elongated cylindrical body 142 having a longitudinally extending central through hole 144, surrounded by a threaded part 146 formed from a series of threads 147. The threaded part 146 generally extends from the distal end 148 of the handle 108 up to its proximal end 150. An internal annular recess 152 is formed surrounding the hole 144 next to the proximal end 150 of the handle. The outer surface of the handle 108 may be textured to provide a frictional or irregular surface in order to facilitate rotation of the handle by the surgeon's fingers during the use of the adjusting tool 100.

The drum 110, as best shown in Figure 3, may be manufactured as an elongated cylindrical body 154 having an externally threaded part 156 formed by a series of threads 158. The threaded part 156 may have one or more zones flattened 160 extending longitudinally along the length of the drum, in one or several circumferential positions. The flattened area serves to facilitate the molding process when drum 110 is manufactured from polymer compositions. A hole 162 extends longitudinally through the center of the body 154. A circumscribed ring 164 of large diameter may be disposed at the end

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distal 166 of the body 154. The ring 164 is captured inside a corresponding restriction opening 168 arranged inside the distal end of the adjustment tool 100 to fix the drum 110 and prevent its longitudinal displacement along the receptacle 102 .

One or more projections 170 of the flange type or other similar structures may be arranged, radially extending outwardly around a circumferential part of the distal end 166 towards the outside of the ring 164. According to an embodiment shown in Figure 3, two projections 170 are arranged facing each other extending outwardly. The projections 170 are adapted to be received inside restriction notches 172 formed by the first and second halves matching 104, 106 of the receptacle, next to the opening 168. The projections 170, being captured inside the notches 172, prevent the rotation of the drum 110 during the use of the tool 100, while the ring 164 prevents the longitudinal displacement of the drum inside the opening 120 formed inside the receptacle 102.

Although the protrusions 170 have been described as flanges, the protrusions can take any other profile or shape that serves to cooperate with the receptacle 102 in order to prevent rotation of the drum. In addition, although two projections 170 have been shown, it is contemplated that a single projection will be sufficient to prevent drum rotation. Likewise, any larger amount of projections 170 may be arranged, such as three or more projections in the form of eyelashes or other structures such as those described and contemplated so far.

The compression piece 111 is arranged extending longitudinally outwardly from the distal end 166 of the drum 110. The compression piece 111, in accordance with one embodiment, is manufactured from an elongated cylindrical body 174 having one or more grooves arranged circumferentially 176 that divide the body into a series of elongated flexible elements 178 by way of finger-type appendages. A through hole 180 is arranged longitudinally through the compression piece 111 in communication with the hole 162 disposed inside the drum 110. The inner surfaces of the elements 178 may be profiled and sized to fit, and be arranged in contact surface with the outer surface of the central shaft 112. The main function of the compression piece 111 is to retard the rotation of the central shaft 112 to prevent its unexpected free rotation during the use of the adjustment tool 100, thereby creating a frictional coupling of elements 178 with the central tree. This can be achieved, in one embodiment, by providing one or more elongate grooves 176 that allow each element 178 to be flexible enough to be able to be arranged in compressive engagement with the central shaft 112.

The compression piece 111 can be manufactured to include any number of elongate elements 178 by providing one or more elongate grooves 176. Although two grooves 176 are shown, it is contemplated that a single groove will be sufficient to provide the body 174 with sufficient flexibility to engage compressively around tree 112 in order to retard its rotation. Also by way of example, three elongated elements 178 can be arranged incorporating three elongated grooves 176 arranged circumferentially around the cylindrical body 174. It is not necessary that the grooves 176 be circumferentially equidistant around the body 174.

The compression of the elongate elements 178 against the central shaft 112 can be achieved in several ways. In the preferred embodiment, the end of the cylindrical body 174 may be provided with a pair of separate circumscribed ribs 182 forming between them an annular opening 184. A resilient toric joint 186 may be received inside the annular opening 184 to provide a uniform incoming compressive force of the elongate elements 178 against the outer surface of the central shaft 112. The magnitude of the force applied by the toric joint 186 may be predetermined by the relative size of the toric joint with respect to that of the annular opening 184. By consequently, the compression piece 111 can be designed to apply a predetermined amount of force against the shaft 112, depending on the selective size of the toric joint 186. In another embodiment, for example, the inside diameter of the hole 180 may be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft 112 to provide the compressive force.

According to the preferred embodiment, the compression piece 111 is manufactured integrally with the drum 110 as a single-piece unit construction. It is contemplated that the compression piece 111 and the drum 110 can be molded from suitable synthetic polymers, such as ABS (acronitrile butadiene styrene), nylon, acetyl, polycarbonate, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) and / or other suitable polymers.

According to another embodiment, it is contemplated that the compression piece 111 can be manufactured as a separate component of the drum 110, and fixed thereto by any suitable means, such as a mechanical, adhesive or thermal bond. An advantage of a two-piece construction is that it allows the compression part 111 to be made of materials other than those of the drum 110. In this respect, the independent compression part 111 can be made of materials that have a greater degree of resilience and / or of flexibility which is generally used for the manufacture of the drum 110 that requires a series of threads 158 to withstand the rotation of the handle 108. Manufacture the compression piece 111 of softer and / or more materials Resilients can allow greater control of the compressive force of the compression piece against the central shaft 112.

In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, the compression piece can be manufactured from other elements and structures arranged inside the hole 138 at the distal end of the receptacle 102, which

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they compressively engage the central shaft 112 extending therethrough, or otherwise achieve a delay in their rotation. For example, as described above, an embodiment may include an interference fit between the central shaft 112 and the drum 110, without a compression piece. In this embodiment, the natural inner diameter of the drum 110 is smaller than the outer diameter of the central shaft 112, such that the drum 110 is resiliently deformed from its size and / or non-deformed shape when the central shaft 112 is introduced therein, providing an interference fit between the central shaft 112 and the drum 110. Such interference fit improves frictional engagement between the drum 110 and the central shaft 112.

According to another embodiment, a spring-type fastener 113 may be used instead of a toric joint. (See Figure 16.) In the illustrative embodiment shown, the spring-type fastener 113 is an E-clip. Preferably, the spring-type fastener 113 is made of metal, but in other embodiments it may be made of any other suitable resilient material, such as a rubber, a polymer, or a plastic material that includes, without limitation, the synthetic polymers disclosed above with respect to the drum 110 and the compression piece 111.

Another embodiment includes that the toric seal 186 is in direct contact with the central shaft 112 and is captured by the drum 110, so that the toric seal 186 is frictionally coupled with the central shaft and the drum. In said embodiment, the drum 110 can trap the toric seal 186 in its relative position by virtue of the friction between them. (See figure 17.)

A proximal part of the central shaft 112 is fixedly attached to the proximal end 150 of the handle 108. According to one embodiment, the handle 108 is made of synthetic polymers, such as those that form the drum 110. The central shaft 112 is It can be manufactured from any suitable biocompatible metals, such as stainless steel, titanium and the like. A similar metal insert 188 may be molded into the annular recess 152 formed at the proximal end 150 of the handle 108. The shaft 112 may be welded to the insert 188, or joined using other suitable fusion techniques. According to another embodiment, the handle 108 can be made of metal materials similar to the central shaft 112. In this case, the shaft 112 can be welded directly to the handle 108. Based on the previous construction, the rotation of the handle 108 causes the corresponding rotation of the central tree 112.

The central shaft 112 extends through the compression piece 111, through the drum 110 and through the handle 108, where a part thereof is fixed to the proximal end 150 of the handle. The proximal end 190 of the shaft 112 extends through the optional bearing 114. The bearing 114 includes an elongated circular ring 192 which is captured in a corresponding circular groove 194 formed inside the receptacle 102 from the first and second halves. 104, 106 of the receptacle next to the respective holes 128, 134. The bearing 114 functions as a spacer to resist rotation of the central shaft 112 extending therethrough. Thus, the bearing 114 serves to limit the travel of the handle based on the size limitations of the corresponding adjustable prosthetic anatomical device. The distal end 196 of the central shaft 112 is rotatably supported inside the hole 138 disposed at the distal end of the receptacle 102 by the ring 164 of the drum 110, which is captured in the annular groove 198 formed inside the halves 104, 106 of the receptacle. Additional support of shaft 112 is provided by compression piece 111 and parts of receptacle 102.

In the assembled form of the adjustment tool 100 according to an embodiment as described so far, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the handle 108 and the drum 110 are located inside the opening 120 formed in receptacle 102 fixing together the first and second halves 104, 106 of the receptacle. The central shaft 112 passes through the hole 180 inside the compression piece 111, through the hole 162 in the drum 110 and through the hole 144 inside the handle 108. The handle 108 can be manipulated with the fingers to cause rotation around the drum 110 by virtue of its threaded cooperation. When the handle 108 is rotated, the handle will advance longitudinally inside the opening 120 along the length of the drum 110 to a magnitude related to the passage of the threaded portions 146, 156 of the drum and the handle. During the manipulation of the handle 108, the drum 110 is prevented from rotating under the projections 170 that are captured inside the notches 172 inside the receptacle 102. The rotation of the handle 108 causes the rotation of the central shaft 112, rotation that is delayed by the compression piece 111. The compression of the elongated elements 178 of the compression piece 111 is maintained by the toric joint 186. The compression piece 111 and the toric joint 186 cooperate to prevent the unexpected rotation of the shaft . Accordingly, the shaft 112 can be rotated in a controlled magnitude by rotating the drum 108. The rotation of the shaft 112 serves to adjust the size and / or the opening shape of an annuloplasty ring or other anatomical device, when coupled to these.

Referring to Figures 5 to 8, a blocking device manufactured in accordance with one embodiment is shown, according to a first aspect of the present invention which is generally indicated by reference numeral 200. The blocking device serves, according to with an aspect thereof, to fix the adjustment tool 100 to the implanted prosthetic anatomical device, such as an adjustable annuloplasty ring. The annuloplasty ring is therefore held attached to the adjustment tool while it is adjusted in situ by the surgeon, thereby preventing accidental disconnection.

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The locking device shown is manufactured to include an elongate shaft 202 having a threaded distal end 204, a hollow handle 206 and a hollow bush 208. The handle 206 may be made of a unitary cylindrical body having a first part 210 of a first diameter and a second part 212 of a second major diameter. The end 214 of the second part 212 generally has a non-cylindrical profile, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, oval, triangular or the like. An elongated hole 216 extends through the handle 206, which has a smaller, smaller hole 218 that extends through the end 214, as shown in Figure 10. The shaft 202 extends through the hole 216 with its end fixed inside the limited hole 218. The first cylindrical part 210 of the handle 206 is received inside a hole 220 in the proximal end 221 of the tree 112. The diameter of the first part 210 is sized and shaped to allow rotation of the handle inside the hole 220. A lip 224 is formed at the junction of the first and second parts 210, 212 of the handle, as a result of the different diameters. According to the preferred embodiment, the handle 206 is made of surgical material such as titanium, stainless steel and the like.

The bushing 208 shown in Figures 7, 8 and 10 can be manufactured as an elongated body 226 having a through hole 228. A configured part 230 of the hole 228 adjacent to the proximal end 232 of the bushing 208 has a geometrical profile complementary to the geometric profile of the end 214 of the handle 206. The end 214 of the handle 206 is slidably received inside the configured part 230 and its relative rotation is prevented by virtue of the complementary non-circular shapes of the end 214 and of the configured part 230. This construction gears the bushing 208 to the handle 206 preventing the relative rotation between them. The remaining part of the hole 228 is sized and shaped to slidably receive the remaining parts of the first and second parts 210, 212 of the handle 206, see Figures 10 and 12.

The distal portion 234 of the bushing 208 is provided with at least one, and preferably at least two, elongated appendages 236 each of which preferably has a locking pin 238 directed inwardly at its free end. Appendices 236 are formed between separate long grooves 240 or other arrangements that provide the appendages with resilience to allow flexion during use of locking tool 200, as described below. In this regard, the bushing 208 can be made of suitable synthetic polymers, such as those used for the manufacture of the compression piece 111 which has been described with respect to the adjustment tool 100. In the preferred embodiment shown, two are provided Appendices 236 arranged in mutual opposition. However, it should be understood that a single appendix 236 is provided with a locking pin 238, as well as more than two of said appendages arranged circumferentially around the bushing 208.

One or more openings 242 are arranged next to the proximal end 221 of the central shaft 112. The openings 242 are sized, shaped and arranged to align with, and receive the locking pins 238 arranged in the appendices 236. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment , each locking pin 238 will be associated with at least one opening 242 to releasably receive the locking pin therein.

Referring to Figures 9 to 12, the operation of the locking device 200 according to one embodiment will be described, according to the first aspect of the present invention as described so far. The main function of the locking device is to provide a surgeon with the ability to releasably fix the adjustment tool 100 to a prosthetic anatomical device implanted by rotating the handle 206. On the other hand, the central shaft 112 has its main function. to allow adjustment of the size and / or shape of the anatomical device by rotating the handle 108, as described above with respect to figures 1 to 4. The bushing 208 is adapted to slide longitudinally along the entire length of the handle 206 in engaged relation, whereby the locking pins 238 in the appendices 236 are received in, and released from the openings 242 at the proximal end 221 of the central shaft 112. The bushing 208 engages with the handle 206 such that when the locking device 200 is disposed in its unlocked position backwards, the rotation of the bushing causes the rotation of the handle 206, and improves the rotation of the shaft 202 which has a threaded tip 204 for a releasable coupling with the anatomical device. When the bushing 208 is arranged in its locked forward position, the locking device 200 prevents the rotation of the handle 206 and the shaft 202 to prevent the decoupling of the adjustable tool 100 from the anatomical device.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the locking device 200 is shown in an unlocked position achieved by sliding back the bushing 208, so that the rotation of the bushing 208 causes the simultaneous rotation of the handle 206, and improves the rotation of the shaft 202. As described above, handle 206 engages with bushing 208 as a result of complementary non-circular shapes of end 214 of handle 206 and configured portion 230 of hole 228 of bushing 208. In position unlocked from the locking device 200, the locking pins 238 in the appendices 236 are not captured inside the openings 242 in the central shaft 112. On the contrary, the locking pins 238 are received around the first part 210 of the handle 206, between the lip 224 and the proximal end 221 of the central shaft 112. This arrangement allows the geared combination of bushing 208 and handle 206 to rotate li briefly without coupling with the central shaft 112, thereby allowing rotation of the shaft 202 for coupling and decoupling with the anatomical device.

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The locking device 200 is shown in a locked position in Figures 11 and 12. The locked position is achieved by sliding the bushing 208 longitudinally along the length of the handle 206 until the locking pins 238 are captured in the openings 242 in the central shaft 112. This action is facilitated by being appendixes 236 flexible and resilient such that they deflect radially outwardly when they rest against the proximal end 221 of the central shaft 112. The proximal end 221 of the central shaft 112 may be provided with a beveled edge to facilitate the movement of the appendages 236. Accordingly, after the appendices 236 expand outwardly as they slide over the proximal end 221 of the central shaft 112, they recover their original orientation such that the locking pins 238 are then received in the openings 242. The coupling of the locking pins 238 c on the openings 242 it protrudes the rotation of the bushing 208 and improves the handle 206, thus preventing the decoupling of the adjustment tool 100 from the anatomical device being adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 13, an elongated hypotube 244 is in a concentric arrangement around the shaft 202 that extends through the adjusting tool 100 and into the hole 216 within the handle 206 of the locking device 200. The end of the hypotube 244 can be fixed inside the hole 216 of the handle 206, or it can be otherwise arranged in a support coupling with a part thereof. The shaft 202 extends longitudinally through an elongated hypotube 246 that is fixed to the free end of the central shaft 112.

Optionally, the distal end of the hypotube 244 may be provided with a flange 248. A compression spring 250 may be arranged extending longitudinally around a part of the shaft 202, between the flange 248 and the proximal end of the hypotube 246. The spring 250 is arranged in compression, thereby forcing the threaded distal end 204 of the shaft 202 to a released or uncoupled position, with the anatomical device. This optional arrangement facilitates the separation of the adjustable tool 100 after the adjustment of the anatomical device.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, a blocking device 252 manufactured in accordance with one embodiment will be described below, according to a second aspect of the present invention. The locking device 252 includes a generally elongated cylindrical handle 254 having an elongated hole 256 extending therethrough, and a generally elongated cylindrical bushing 258 having a hole 260 extending therethrough. The handle 254 has a distal end 262 configured to be received rotationally inside the proximal end 221 of the central shaft 112. The introduction of the handle 254 is limited by a stop 264 which circumscribes a part of the handle. The remaining part of the handle is slidably received, longitudinally inside the hole 260 of the bushing 258. A pair of separate annular grooves 266, 268 are arranged circumferentially around the handle 254 towards the outside of the stop 264. Although the grooves are described as annular grooves, it is contemplated that the grooves can be discontinuous, or that the grooves can be manufactured in other ways such as openings, raised elements and the like, which will be understood from the application of the grooves that will be described more ahead. The proximal end 270 of the handle is made in the form of a blocking element 272. The blocking element 272 can be manufactured as a configured element, such as a series of gear teeth, in the form of a non-cylindrical profile such as square, polygonal, oval and the like. The end of the tree 202 is fixed to the handle 254, as in its proximal end 270.

The bushing 258 is shaped, at its distal end 274, to include one or more pins 276 extending radially inwards. The pins 276 can be manufactured in a manner similar to the locking pins 238, as described above with respect to the locking device 200. In this regard, the sleeve 258 may be provided with appendages formed by elongated grooves as it has been described so far with respect to the locking device 200. The pins 276 are configured to be releasably attachable inside the grooves 266, 268 by sliding the sleeve 258 longitudinally along the length of the handle 254.

The hole 260 of the bushing is formed at its proximal end 278 with a non-coupling part 280 and an inwardly arranged part that forms the blocking element 282. The blocking element 282 is configured to cooperate with the blocking element 272 in handle 254. In this regard, the locking element 282 is preferably manufactured as a complementary structure, such as gear teeth, or a complementary shaped structure. Therefore, when the locking elements 272, 282 are coupled, the rotation of the sleeve 258 will cause the rotation of the handle 254. On the other hand, the non-coupling part 280 is configured such that it does not engage with the lock 272 of handle 254 when received inside the non-coupling part.

As shown in Figure 14, the locking device 252 is arranged in a locked orientation, whereby rotation of the bushing 258 causes the rotation of the handle 254. In the locked orientation, the bushing 258 is arranged backwards along the handle 254, such that the pins 276 are received inside the groove 268, and the locking elements 272, 282 are held coupled to each other. The rotation of the bushing 258 effects the rotation of the shaft 202 to allow fixing and decoupling of the adjustment tool 100 to an anatomical device.

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The locking device 252 is shown in an unlocked orientation in Figure 15. In this regard, the bushing 258 has moved longitudinally forward on the handle 254 whereby the pins 276 are received in the groove 266. In this orientation, the blocking element 272 at the proximal end of the handle 270 is received within the non-coupling part 280 of the sleeve 258. The rotation of the sleeve 258 will not cause the rotation of the handle 254 and, therefore, will not cause the rotation of tree 202.

As best shown in Figure 4, in an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle 102 may include a scale 117. The handle 108 may also include an indicator 109. The indicator 109 may be arranged on the handle 108 and adapted for align with the scale 117. The scale 117 and the indicator 109 allow a surgeon using the adjustment tool 100 to determine to what extent the size of the adjustable annuloplasty ring has been adjusted during the annuloplasty procedure. In one embodiment, the indicator 109 may be a band that at least partially circumscribes the handle 108. In another embodiment, the indicator 109 may include one or more arrows arranged in the handle 108. Preferably, the indicator 109 is arranged next to a distal end of the handle 108, but alternatively it may be arranged in another position along the handle 108 in other embodiments. In addition, another embodiment may include multiple indicators 109 arranged in various positions along the handle 108.

In one embodiment, the scale 117 is printed on the receptacle 102. In other embodiments, the scale 117 may be, for example, ground, etched, stamped or molded into the receptacle 102. The scale 117 may also be elevated over the receptacle 102 or reduced in it. In another embodiment, the scale 117 may include an electronic display (not shown) disposed in the receptacle 102. In another embodiment, the scale 117 may be provided with one or more labels that may be permanently or temporarily attached to the receptacle 102.

Scale 117 provides the surgeon with a reference to determine the extent to which the size of the adjustable annuloplasty ring has been adjusted during the procedure, and whether to further adjust the size of the annuloplasty ring. Referring to scale 117, the surgeon can determine the actual size of the annuloplasty ring or the size relative to scale 117 at the start of the annuloplasty procedure, and the adjustments that have been made with respect to said size during the procedure . Therefore, the surgeon can determine to what extent the size of the adjustable annuloplasty ring has been adjusted, and can decide whether to make an additional adjustment on it. In addition, if the surgeon decides to make an additional adjustment, the scale 117 may also allow the surgeon to determine the necessary or preferred magnitude of the additional adjustment. In one embodiment, the scale 117 may also indicate the desired size of the annuloplasty ring, which can be determined before the annuloplasty procedure, which may allow the surgeon to compare the size of the annuloplasty ring at a given time during the procedure, with the desired default size.

In the embodiment shown by way of example, the scale 117 is a Continu calibration scale. However, in other embodiments, the scale 117 may be another type of scale. For example, in other embodiments, the scale 117 may enumerate one or more dimensions of the adjustable prosthetic anatomical device in correspondence with different parts along the scale 117. In some embodiments, the dimension or dimensions listed on the scale 117 may be the diameter, the circumference, the length of the anterior / posterior axis, the length of an axis commissure at commissure (C / C) and / or another dimension of the device. In one embodiment, scale 117 indicates the dimension or dimensions in millimeters. In other embodiments, the scale 117 may indicate the dimension or dimensions in inches or in any other suitable unit of measure. In addition, in other embodiments, the scale 117 may be a set of letters, stripes, check marks, signs or other symbols indicating the relative position of the indicator 109 and, therefore, the size of the adjustable prosthetic anatomical device, which may be the actual size or the size relative to the scale 117. In other embodiments, multiple tools 100 can be arranged, with the scale 117 arranged in each tool belonging to a different range of sizes. In different embodiments, some of the intervals may partially overlap each other; however, in other embodiments, multiple tools 100 can each cover independent size intervals.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are only illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that many modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments, and that other arrangements can be contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (24)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five 1. A locking device (200) adapted for use in an adjustment tool (100), which can be used to releasably fix the adjustment tool to a prosthetic anatomical device, the locking device comprising: a first tube (112) having a first blocking element (242); a tree (202) extending inside the tube for relative rotation therewith; a handle (206) having an end fixedly coupled to the tree, the handle being adapted to rotate the tree inside the tube; Y a bushing (208) arranged displaceably around the handle having a second locking element (236), whereby the displacement of the bushing to a first position couples the first and second locking elements disabling the rotation of the shaft with with respect to the tube by means of the rotation of the bushing, and to a second position, it disengages the first and the second blocking elements allowing the rotation of the tree with respect to the tube by means of the rotation of the bushing. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first blocking element comprises at least one opening (242), and the second blocking element comprises at least one shaped structure (238) adapted to be received inside of said at least one opening. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first locking element comprises a series of openings (242), and the bushing includes a series of pins (238) in the second locking element, releasably attachable within a corresponding one of the series of openings when the bushing is in the first position. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bushing includes a configured part (230) engaged with a proximal end (214) of the handle, so that the rotation of the bushing causes the rotation of the handle and the shaft. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first locking element comprises a series of radially separated apertures (242), and the second locking element comprises a series of radially separated flexible appendages (236) each of which It has a pin (238) for a releasable coupling within one of the series of openings, thereby preventing rotation of the shaft with respect to the tube. 6. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein: the first tube (112) has a distal end and a proximal end (221), the tube including the first locking element (242) next to the proximal end thereof; a second tube (244) has a distal end and a proximal end in concentric arrangement inside the first tube; the tree (202) is received rotationally inside the second tube, the tree having a distal end and a proximal end; the handle (206) includes a longitudinal hole (216) and has a distal end (214) and a proximal end, the proximal end of the tree extending into the hole and being fixedly attached to the proximal end of the handle, the distal end of the handle rotatably coupled inside the proximal end of the first tube (112); The bushing (208) is slidably disposed longitudinally on the handle and engaged thereto, the second locking element (236) comprising at least one appendix (236) having a part (238) releasably coupled with the first blocking element inside the first tube, thereby preventing rotation of the tree with respect to the first tube. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the part (238) releasably engage with the first locking element comprises a pin (238). The device according to claim 6, wherein the first blocking element (242) comprises an opening and the second blocking element (236) includes a structure (238) shaped to be received inside the opening. 9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the distal end of the tree includes a threaded portion (204). 10. The blocking device according to claim 1, further comprising: 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty a first elongated hypotube (244) having a first longitudinal axis, the first hypotube having a distal end and a proximal end, and in which: the tree (202) extends inside the first hypotube along the first longitudinal axis, the tree having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the tree having a part (204) adapted for a releasable coupling with a adjustable set of the prosthetic anatomical device; The first tube comprises an elongated second hypotube (112) having a second longitudinal axis, the second hypotube being arranged in a concentric arrangement around the first hypotube with the first longitudinal axis coinciding with the second longitudinal axis, the second hypotube having a distal end and a proximal end (221), the first locking element (242) having the proximal end of the second hypotube; The handle (206) has a hole (216), the handle also including a distal end (262) received inside the proximal end (221) of the second hypotube (112) and a proximal end (214) fixed to the proximal end of the tree (202); The bushing (208) is slidably arranged around the handle between a first engaged position and a second disengaged position, the bushing having a distal end (274) and a proximal end (278), the bushing distal end having the second locking element (236) releasably attachable with the first locking element (242) when it is in the first position. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the bushing is engaged to the handle, so that the rotation of the bushing causes the handle to rotate. 12. The device according to claim 10, wherein the first blocking element comprises at least one opening (242), and the second blocking element comprises a structure (238) formed to be received inside said less an opening. 13. The device according to claim 10, wherein the second locking element comprises at least one locking pin (238) at the distal end of the bushing and the first locking element comprises at least one opening (242) in the proximal end of the second hypotube, wherein said at least one locking pin is received inside said at least one opening when the bushing is in the first position. 14. A tool (100) for manipulating an adjustable prosthetic anatomical device that includes a locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said tool comprising: a drum (110); a first handle (108) rotatably coupled around the drum; a first hypotube (112) extending through the drum having a distal end and a proximal end (221), a part of the hypotube being fixed between the distal end and the end proximal to the first handle, the hypotube having a first blocking element (242); a receptacle (102) supporting the first hypotube for rotation by the first handle; a tree (202) rotatably disposed inside the first hypotube; a second handle (206) having one end rotationally coupled to the proximal end (221) of the hypotube and the other end (214) fixedly coupled to the tree; a bushing (208) arranged displaceably around the second handle having a second locking element (236), whereby the displacement of the bushing to a first position engages the first and second locking elements preventing rotation of the shaft with respect to the first hypotube through the rotation of the bush, and a second position uncouples the first and second locking elements allowing the rotation of the tree with respect to the first hypotube through the rotation of the bush. 15. The tool according to claim 14, wherein the second locking element comprises at least one locking pin (238) at a distal end of the bushing and the first locking element comprises at least one opening (242) in the proximal end of the first hypotube, wherein said at least one locking pin is received inside said at least one opening when the bushing is in the first position. 16. The tool according to claim 15, wherein the locking pin is formed at a free end of a flexible appendix (236). 17. The tool according to claim 14, further including a compression piece (111) disposed inside the receptacle, which is coupled with a part of the first hypotube to retard the rotation of the first hypotube. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 18. The tool according to claim 17, which further includes a compression element (113, 186) that compresses the compression piece against the first hypotube. 19. A locking device (252) adapted for use in an adjustment tool, (100) that can be used to releasably fix the adjustment tool to a prosthetic anatomical device, the locking device comprising: a first tube (112) having a proximal end (221); a tree (202) extending inside the tube for relative rotation therewith; a handle (254) having a distal end (262) rotatably received inside the proximal end of the first tube and a proximal end (270) fixedly coupled with the tree, the handle being adapted to rotate the tree inside the tube, the handle including a first and second separate openings (266, 268) and a first locking element (272) at the proximal end of the handle; Y a bushing (258) arranged displaceably around the handle between a first and a second position, and having a distal end (274) and a proximal end (278), a second locking element (282) at the proximal end of the bushing and at least one pin (276) at the distal end of the bushing configured to be received inside the first and second openings, in which the displacement of the bushing to the first position engages the first and second elements of blocking allowing the rotation of the tree with respect to the tube by means of the rotation of the bushing, and the displacement of the bushing to the second position disengages the first and the second locking elements disabling the rotation of the tree with respect to the tube by rotating the bushing. 20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the first and second openings comprise annular grooves. 21. The device according to claim 19, wherein when the bushing is in the first position, the pin is received inside the first opening maintaining the coupling of the first and second locking elements, and in which when the castle is in the second position, the pin is received inside the second opening maintaining the decoupling of the first and second locking elements. 22. The device according to claim 19, wherein the bushing includes a hole (260) having a proximal end (278) formed with a non-coupling part (280), and in which the second locking element is formed inward of the non-coupling part. 23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the first locking element is disposed inside the non-coupling part when the bushing is arranged in the second position. 24. The device according to claim 19, wherein the first and second locking elements comprise gear teeth.